Milli Vanilli and Boney M Founder Frank Farian Dead at 82

Frank Farian, the founding father of musical teams Milli Vanilli and Boney M. — each iconic for various causes — has died.

The German singer, songwriter, and producer’s household confirmed his passing Tuesday … saying Frank died peacefully at his Miami house.

His demise comes 2 years after he underwent life-saving coronary heart valve substitute surgical procedure — he bought a pig coronary heart valve inserted in his chest, as a result of his personal had shrunk with age.

In his final interview in November 2023, he gushed his new coronary heart valve was working splendidly and advised German newspaper Bild, he was grateful he had a “good pig in me.”

Regardless of his claims of excellent well being, contrasting experiences stated his situation had deteriorated after the process — he’d misplaced quite a lot of weight and had to make use of a wheelchair and respiratory gear as a result of lung points.

Frank was born Franz Reuther in western Germany in 1941 … kicking issues off within the music business as a solo artist whereas additionally coaching to be a chef.

He made his first massive splash within the music world in 1976 … when he based the disco vocal group Boney M.

“Daddy Cool,” “Rasputin,” and “Mary’s Boy Child” have been only a few hits from the group comprised of Marcia Barrett, Liz Mitchell, Maizie Williams and Bobby Farrell.

His most doubtful transfer, although, got here within the late ’80s … Frank based the R&B pop duo Milli Vanilli. He employed Fab Morvan and Rob Pilatus as the attention sweet, whereas he enlisted different performers to do the precise singing on hits like “Blame It On The Rain” and “Girl You Know It’s True.”

The group would really win the Grammy for Greatest New Artist earlier than the entire lip-synching sham got here crashing down throughout a “live” efficiency. The Recording Academy took again their Grammy.

Frank additionally labored with the likes of Stevie Wonder and Meat Loaf … and reportedly bought an estimated 800 million information worldwide.